A Creswick man who was killed while cycling just south of Clunes on Sunday afternoon has been remembered as a community-minded family man.
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Mark Spenceley, a dedicated member of the Country Fire Authority, died at the scene after being struck by a car travelling the same direction on Creswick Road.
Deputy Chief Officer of CFA Training Gregg Paterson said Mark joined the CFA in 1982 and had held various ranks right through to Brigade Captain in Creswick; a position he held for 10 years.
He joined the CFA as a career wildfire instructor in 2001 and was also a Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria delegate.
"He is very well known and very well respected for his role as a volunteer but also as a career instructor. One of the real traits that Mark provided the CFA as a volunteer but as an instructor as well was his leadership and his keenness to develop volunteer leaders across the state," Mr Paterson said.
"His service to the CFA and the community was just outstanding. It's a really sad loss."
Mr Paterson remembered him as a cheerful, forthright and honest person who "called a spade a spade".
Hepburn Shire Council Mayor and Creswick resident Councillor Don Henderson had known Mark for a very long time.
Cr Henderson said Mark was widely respected, always stood up for what he believed in and was a role model for young people through his role at the Football Netball Club.
"He was involved in a very broad aspect of community. He wasn't just respected in a narrow sense - he was respected across the board. He was a good family person too.
"He was never frightened to have his say or to stand up for what he thought was right. All of those things are very important," Cr Henderson said.
"He was always there to be on committees and be involved in working bees and helping out wherever he could. There are many Mark Spenceley's but without people like Mark in the community it would be a much poorer place.
He will be sadly missed - there's no question about that. It is a big shock to the community.
- Don Henderson